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Reed is originally from Wichita, Kansas. He graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, Oklahoma in 1967 with a bachelors degree in Sociology. He received his masters degree from Wichita State University with an emphasis in the Sociology of Religion in 1969. That same year he received the appointment of Instructor of Sociology from General Beadle State College in Madison, where he has remained since.

While at Dakota State, Reed has been witness to many transitions in curriculum, administration, and mission at the school. “All of these transitions have required me to remain quite flexible and living on the edge,” says Reed. He chose to remain on the faculty through the mission change at Dakota State in 1984, at a time when the student enrollment went from 1300 students down to 750. The enrollment for the fall 2005 semester was over 2000.

Reed also played an integral role in the curriculum changes at the university. “I have seen our curriculum expand to include two year degrees and then retract to 5 degrees,” he said. “Now we have a specialized emphasis in computer technology.” Reed also says he has “worked with about half of all the presidents DSU has had,” adding that they [the presidents] “have all be the person for the occasion.”

Along with his duties as a faculty member, Reed served on a variety of committees on campus as well as boards of directors for the community, state, region and nation. In over 36 years of service to Dakota State, Reed has made a lasting impression on students, faculty and staff at DSU. “It has been a great pleasure serving the students at DSU and the state of South Dakota and I look forward to many activities in the future,” commented Reed.

Reed and wife Joy, who recently retired from teaching at St. Thomas School, intend to continue living in Madison. They have two daughters. Shan lives in Kyoto, Japan where she serves three Japanese Baptist churches with their children and young adult ministries. Shonda lives and works in Brookings where she is Director of Greek Activities and Student Organizations at SDSU. Reed says his immediate plans for retirement include “traveling with our family and enjoying family life.”